Electroshock device for monitoring target response

ABSTRACT

An electroshock device for delivering an electrical discharge to a target includes an electrical discharge circuit, and an electrode coupled to the electrical discharge circuit and having an attachment feature attachable to the target. Upon attachment the electrode is enabled to monitor a physiological condition of the target, generate a signal based on the physiological condition, and deliver the electrical discharge to the target. The electroshock device also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the electrical discharge circuit and the electrode. The controller is configured to modulate delivery of the electrical discharge based on the physiological condition of the target.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/097,038, filed Dec. 4, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,381,372, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Electroshock devices, or “stun guns,” deliver a high-voltage,low-current electrical discharge for temporarily incapacitating abiological target. These devices may be used by police officers or othersecurity personnel in order to restrain recalcitrant persons. Typically,the intensity (e.g., voltage) of the electrical discharge ispredetermined or manually controlled by a user of the device. As aresult, the electrical discharge may produce a non-desired outcome asdelivered, depending on the physical characteristics (e.g., weight,heart rate, etc.) of the target and/or a delivery location on thetarget. For instance, a discharge having a relatively low intensity orshort duration may not be sufficient to restrain a particular target,requiring an additional or longer discharge to temporarily incapacitatethe target. On the other hand, a discharge having a relatively highintensity or long duration may have a negative impact on a particulartarget, such as triggering a cardiac condition in the target. Further,the cardiac condition may not include visible physical symptoms, suchthat the condition may not be immediately diagnosed and/or treated, ormay be exacerbated by the continued electrical discharge.

SUMMARY

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electroshockdevice for delivering an electrical discharge to a target. Theelectroshock device includes an electrical discharge circuit, anelectrode coupled to the electrical discharge circuit and having anattachment feature attachable to the target. Upon attachment theelectrode is enabled to monitor a physiological condition of the target,generate a signal based on the physiological condition, and deliver theelectrical discharge to the target. The electroshock device alsoincludes a controller communicatively coupled to the electricaldischarge circuit and the electrode. The controller is configured tomodulate delivery of the electrical discharge based on the signal.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electroshockdevice for delivering an electrical discharge to a target. Theelectroshock device includes an electrical discharge circuit forproviding the electrical discharge, a first electrode coupled to theelectrical discharge circuit, a second electrode coupled to theelectrical discharge circuit, and a controller coupled to the first andsecond electrodes and configured to receive one or more signals from thefirst and second electrodes and determine a position of the first andsecond electrodes based on the one or more signals. The first and secondelectrodes are attachable to the target and configured to deliver anelectrical discharge from the electrical discharge circuit to thetarget.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electroshockdevice. The electroshock device includes an electrical discharge circuitconfigured to provide an electrical discharge and a defibrillatingpulse, and an electrode coupled to the electrical discharge circuit andbeing attachable to a target. The electroshock device includes anelectroshock mode for delivering the electrical discharge and adefibrillating mode for delivering the defibrillating pulse. Theelectrode is configured to monitor a physiological condition of thetarget and generate a signal based on the physiological condition. Theelectroshock device also includes a controller coupled to the electricaldischarge circuit and the electrode. The controller is configured toreceive the signal from the electrode, modulate the electrical dischargeand the defibrillating pulse based on the signal, and reconfigure theelectroshock device between the electroshock mode and the defibrillatingmode based on the signal.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method fordelivering an electrical discharge to a target. The method includesattaching an electrode to the target by projecting the electrode from anelectroshock device, delivering the electrical discharge to the targetvia the electrode, monitoring a physiological condition of the target,and modulating the electrical discharge based on the physiologicalcondition.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method fordelivering a defibrillating pulse to a target. The method includesdelivering an electrical discharge to the target via an electrodeprojected from an electroshock device, monitoring a physiologicalcondition of the target, determining whether the defibrillating pulse isrequired based on the physiological condition, and delivering thedefibrillating pulse to the target based on a determination that thedefibrillating pulse is required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is an illustration of an electroshock device, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of the electroshock device when actuated,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a schematic representation of the electroshock device,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a close-up schematic representation of the electroshock devicewhen actuated, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of an electroshock device attachedto a target, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an electroshock device having separatedefibrillation leads, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controller for an electroshock device,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representation of a method for measuring aphysiological response of a target to an electrical discharge andmodulating the electrical discharge based on the response, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart representation of a method for measuring aphysiological response of a target to an electrical discharge anddelivering a defibrillating pulse based on the response, according toone embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Referring generally to the figures, an electroshock device is shown fordelivering an electrical discharge (e.g., a relatively high voltage, lowcurrent electrical discharge) to a target (e.g., a biological target).In one embodiment, the electroshock device includes projectableelectrodes for attaching to the target and delivering the electricaldischarge. The electrodes are configured to monitor (i.e., sense) one ormore physiological conditions of the biological target and generate oneor more signals representing the one or more physiological conditions.The electroshock device includes a controller for receiving the one ormore signals and modulating the electrical discharge based on the one ormore physiological conditions of the target. For instance, if thephysiological conditions comprise involuntary muscular conditions whichindicate continued purposeful movement in the target, the controller mayincrease the intensity or duration of the electrical discharge in orderto temporarily incapacitate the target. If the physiological conditionsindicate that the target is incapacitated, or that the target may beharmed by a continued electric current, the controller may decrease theintensity or duration of the electrical discharge in order to preventharm to the target. The electroshock device may also be configured todeliver a defibrillating pulse to the target when necessary. In oneembodiment, the electrodes are configured to deliver the defibrillatingpulse as well as the electrical discharge. The controller may determinewhen defibrillation is necessary, such as when the physiologicalconditions indicate an arrhythmia or fibrillation, causing theelectrodes to deliver one or more defibrillating pulses to the target inorder to prevent further harm to the target.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, electroshock device 10 (e.g., taser device,defibrillating device, etc.) is shown, according to one embodiment. Inthis embodiment, device 10 is a handheld device including handle 12connected to housing 16. Device 10 is shown in a non-actuated or restingconfiguration in FIG. 1A, but device 10 may be actuated (i.e.,triggered) by pressing or pulling trigger 14 positioned on handle 12.When actuated (as shown in FIG. 1B), device 10 may be used to deliver anelectrical discharge (e.g., an electric current) intended for abiological target (e.g., an attacker), such as to temporarilyincapacitate the target.

Device 10 includes first electrode 18 (e.g., probe) and second electrode20 (e.g., probe). In the non-actuated configuration of FIG. 1A,electrodes 18 and 20 are positioned opposite each other within housing16 and are removably coupled to housing 16. In one embodiment,electrodes 18 and 20 are made from a conductive metal in order totransmit an electrical discharge. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG.1, electrode 18 is coupled to wire 22 and electrode 20 is coupled towire 24, such that electrodes 18 and 20 are positioned at the ends ofwires 22 and 24, respectively. In this embodiment, wires 22 and 24 areconductive and also coupled to electrical circuit 34 (e.g., electricaldischarge circuit). In one embodiment, device 10 (or another similardevice described herein) may include a plurality of electrodes coupledto electrical circuit 34 by flexible conductors (e.g., wires 22 and 24).

When device 10 is actuated, electrodes 18 and 20 are expelled orprojected out from housing 16 (as shown in FIG. 1B) in order to attachto the target. As shown in FIG. 1C, device 10 may include cartridge 26,which provides a force to expel or project electrodes 18 and 20 fromhousing 16. In this embodiment, cartridge 26 is a compressed gascartridge and is broken or punctured when device 10 is actuated (e.g.,when trigger 14 is pulled or pressed), releasing pressurized gas into anarea of housing 16 behind electrodes 18 and 20. The compressed gasexpands when released from cartridge 26, building a pressure behindelectrodes 18 and 20 to create a force sufficient to launch or projectelectrodes 18 and 20 out from housing 16 and through the air. Whenelectrodes 18 and 20 are projected from housing 16, wires 22 and 24remain connected or coupled to electrical circuit 34 and to electrodes18 and 20, trailing behind electrodes 18 and 20, respectively, in orderto maintain an electrical connection between electrodes 18 and 20 andelectrical circuit 34. Electrodes 18 and 20 are configured to attach tothe target in order to administer an electrical discharge to the target.In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 include pointed or needled endsfor piercing or penetrating clothing of the target in order toadminister the discharge. In some embodiments, the penetration inducedby the pointed or needled ends serve to adequately attach electrodes 18and 20 to the target. However, electrodes 18 and 20 may also includeadditional attachment features for adhering or attaching electrodes 18and 20 to the target. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-2, electrodes 18 and 20 include barbs 38 for attachingelectrodes 18 and 20 to the target. Barbs 38 may include pointed endsconfigured to “grab” or attach to the target's clothing. Electrodes 18and 20 may also include an adhesive material or substance, or any otherattachment feature or component for attaching electrodes 18 and 20 tothe target in order to deliver the electrical discharge to the target.

When electrodes 18 and 20 are attached or adhered to the biologicaltarget, an electric current may be sent or transmitted from circuit 34through wires 22 and 24 and an electrical discharge may be delivered tothe target by electrodes 18 and 20. In one embodiment, trigger 14 mustbe held in the actuated position in order to deliver the electricaldischarge. In another embodiment, a predetermined electrical dischargeis automatically delivered when electrodes 18 and 20 attach to thetarget. In another embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 are projected fromdevice 10 the first time trigger 14 is pressed or pulled (i.e., device10 is actuated), and the electrical discharge is delivered when trigger14 is pressed or pulled a second time. In one embodiment, a singleelectrical discharge is delivered by device 10, such as when trigger 14is pressed or pulled (depending on the configuration of device 10). Inanother embodiment, device 10 delivers a series of electrical discharges(i.e., pulses) when device 10 is actuated or when trigger 14 is pressedor pulled to deliver the discharge.

In the illustrated embodiment, electrical circuit 34 receiveselectricity from batteries 36 to produce or generate a high-voltage,low-amperage electrical discharge that is administered by electrodes 18and 20. Batteries 36 are housed within battery compartment 32 locatedwithin handle 12 in this embodiment, but may be otherwise positioned inother embodiments in order to deliver electricity to circuit 34. In oneembodiment, circuit 34 includes transformers for boosting the voltageand reducing the amperage of the electrical discharge. Circuit 34 mayalso include an oscillator for fluctuating the electrical discharge toproduce a specific pulse pattern of electricity (e.g., to generate apulse frequency that mimics the body's own electrical signals). Circuit34 may also include a capacitor for releasing the electrical dischargeto electrodes 18 and 20. In one embodiment, an electrical discharge is“built up” (i.e., produced or generated) within the capacitor, and theelectrical discharge is released to electrodes 18 and 20 through wires22 and 24, respectively. Device 10 may also include electrode 28 andelectrode 30 electrically connected to circuit 34 for delivering theelectrical discharge. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2,electrodes 28 and 30 are stationary or permanently connected to housing16 of device 10 in order to administer the electrical discharge bydirect contact with the target.

The electrical discharge delivered by device 10 may be intended to causetemporary neuromuscular incapacitation by interrupting the ability ofthe brain to control muscles in the body. In one embodiment, theelectrical discharge is administered for a length of time at thediscretion of the user (e.g., based on the user depressing a trigger).In another embodiment, the electrical discharge is automatically stoppedafter a relatively short period of time (e.g., an amount of timesufficient to incapacitate the target), even if a user of device 10continues to hold trigger 14 in an actuated position. In one embodiment,device 10 delivers an electric discharge with a pulse frequency thatmimics the target's own electrical signals, directing the target'smuscles to move rapidly in a relatively short period of time, depletingthe target's energy reserves and leaving the target temporarilyincapacitated.

In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 are used to monitor one or morephysiological conditions (e.g., physiological indicators) of the target,which may include the target's involuntary physiological response(s) tothe electrical discharge (e.g., involuntary muscular responses). In thisembodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 attach to the target in order tomeasure or otherwise monitor physiological conditions of the target.Electrodes 18 and 20 may be configured to monitor the physiologicalconditions before, during, and/or after the electrical discharge isdelivered to the target. In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20generate one or more signals representing the monitored physiologicalconditions of the target and send the signals to a controller (e.g.,controller 90) for use in controlling device 10.

Device 10 may also include sensor assembly 40 (e.g., sensors, detectors,monitors, etc.), which may also be used to monitor one or morephysiological conditions (e.g., a second physiological condition orindicator) of the target. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2,sensor assembly 40 is coupled to electrodes 18 and 20 such that sensorassembly 40 is launched or projected from housing 16 with electrodes 18and 20 in order to attach to the target. In other embodiments, sensorassembly 40 may be otherwise positioned within device 10 or coupled toanother component of device 10 in order to monitor the target, as may besuitable for the particular application of device 10. Sensor assembly 40may be configured to monitor the physiological conditions before,during, and/or after an electrical discharge is delivered to the target.In one embodiment, sensor assembly 40 generates one or more signals(e.g., a second signal) representing the monitored physiologicalconditions of the target. Electrodes 18 and 20 and sensor assembly 40may monitor the same physiological conditions of the target, or may beused to monitor separate and discrete physiological conditions, forexample, based on the location or other characteristics of electrodes 18and 20 and sensor assembly 40.

In some embodiments, the device sensors (i.e., sensor assembly 40 and/orelectrodes 18 and 20) are configured to send signals to a controllersuch as controller 90. The device sensors can send one or more signalsto controller 90 representing the physiological conditions monitored byelectrodes 18 and 20. The device sensors may be configured toautomatically send the signals to controller 90 at regular intervals(e.g., time-based intervals), to automatically send the signals tocontroller 90 when an event occurs (e.g., when the electrical dischargeis delivered, when a first electric pulse in a series of pulses isdelivered, during a “listening period” within a series of pulses, etc.),and/or to automatically send the signals to controller 90 as the signalsare generated. The device sensors may also be configured to send thesignals in response to a manual request (e.g., from a user of device 10)in other embodiments. Controller 90 is configured to receive and/orstore the signals from the device sensors. In one embodiment, controller90 is programmed or otherwise configured to use or interpret the signalsreceived from the device sensors to modulate the electrical discharge(e.g., a predefined electrical discharge). Controller 90 may modulatethe electrical discharge produced and/or delivered by device 10, as maybe suitable for the particular application or function of device 10.

In one embodiment, controller 90 automatically adjusts or modulates theelectrical discharge based on the signals received from the devicesensors, such as by increasing or decreasing the intensity or durationof the electrical discharge. For instance, if the signals from thedevice sensors indicate that the target may be harmed by a delivered orcontinued electrical discharge (e.g., signs of fibrillation aredetected, the target is relatively small, etc.), controller 90 mayautomatically decrease the intensity, lower a pulse repetitionfrequency, or shorten the duration of the electrical discharge to reducethe likelihood of permanent harm to the target. On the other hand, ifthe signals from the device sensors indicate that the target may be acontinued threat to the user even after an electrical discharge having aselected magnitude is delivered (e.g., purposeful movement is detectedafter a delivered electrical discharge, the target is relatively large,etc.), controller 90 may automatically increase the intensity, increasea pulse repetition frequency, or lengthen the duration of the electricaldischarge to increase the likelihood of temporarily incapacitating thetarget. The electrical discharge generated and/or administered by device10 may be otherwise modulated in order to produce other outcomes, as maybe suitable for the particular application of device 10. If device 10 isconfigured to deliver a single electrical discharge when trigger 14 ispressed, controller 90 may modulate the electrical discharge as thedischarge is delivered and/or modulate the next discharge generatedand/or delivered by device 10, each in response to the signals receivedfrom the device sensors. If device 10 is configured to deliver a seriesof electrical discharges or pulses when actuated, controller 90 maymodulate the electrical discharge as the electrical discharge isdelivered or controller 90 may modulate a future electrical discharge.For instance, controller 90 may modulate a future electrical dischargeduring a “listening period” (i.e., a period of time in between pulsesfor detecting or monitoring physiological indicator(s) of the biologicaltarget) in response to signals received during the listening period.

In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 are configured to detect ormonitor electrical activity produced by muscles of the biological targetby electromyography (EMG). In this embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20attach to the target such that electrodes 18 and 20 are able to measureelectrical activity of muscles in either an active or a passive mode. Inthe active mode, electrodes 18 and 20 send an electrical current to amuscle of the target at or near electrodes 18 and 20. The electricalcurrent is intended to electrically activate the muscle, detecting orrecording an electrical potential (e.g., action potential) in responseto the electrical current and sending one or more signals to controller90 representing the electrical potential. In the passive mode,electrical potentials of the muscles near electrodes 18 and 20 arealready present in sufficient amplitude to be measured directly.Controller 90 may use the signals from electrodes 18 and 20 to determinean activation level or movement of the target's muscles, modulating theelectrical discharge produced or administered by device 10 based on theactivation level or movement of the target's muscles. For instance, ifthe activation level or movement of the target's muscles indicates thatthe target is a threat to the user (before or after an electricaldischarge is administered), controller 90 may either automatically applyan initial electrical discharge or automatically increase the intensity(e.g., current, voltage, etc.) of a subsequent electrical discharge inorder to temporarily incapacitate the target.

In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 are configured to detect ormonitor electrical activity of the biological target's heart byelectrocardiography (ECG). In this embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20attach to the target such that electrodes 18 and 20 are able to monitorand record one or more heart conditions (i.e., physiological conditionsrelated to the heart) of the target, similar to an ECG monitor ordevice. When attached to the target, electrodes 18 and 20 may be used tomonitor heart conditions such as heart rate, regularity of heartbeat, aheart waveform, the size and position of heart chambers (i.e., heartchamber size and heart chamber position), the presence of any damage tothe heart, and/or any other heart conditions suitable for the particularapplication of device 10. In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 areconfigured to generate one or more signals representing the heartconditions and send the signals (e.g., an electrocardiographic signal)to controller 90. In this embodiment, controller 90 is programmed tocontrol device 10 based on the signals, such as to modulate theelectrical discharge generated and/or delivered by device 10. Forinstance, controller 90 may be programmed to use or interpret thesignals to detect arrhythmia (i.e., heart arrhythmia) or fibrillation(i.e., heart fibrillation) in the target, or signs of potentialarrhythmia or fibrillation, stopping the delivery of the electricaldischarge or reducing the intensity or duration of the electricaldischarge as necessary to reduce the likelihood of arrhythmia orfibrillation in the target. Electrodes 18 and 20 may be used to monitorthe heart conditions of the target before the electrical discharge isdelivered in order to deliver an appropriate electrical discharge.Electrodes 18 and 20 may also be used to monitor the heart conditions ofthe target during and/or after the electrical discharge is delivered inorder to modulate the current or future electrical discharge.

In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2,sensor assembly 40 is coupled to electrodes 18 and 20 and is projectedfrom housing 16 with electrodes 18 and 20 when device 10 is actuated. Inone such embodiment, sensor assembly 40 includes an accelerometer formonitoring an acceleration (e.g., a proper acceleration) of thebiological target. In this embodiment, sensor assembly 40 (including theaccelerometer) attaches to the biological target in order to monitor theproper acceleration of the target, sending one or more signals tocontroller 90 representing the monitored acceleration of the biologicaltarget. Controller 90 is configured to receive the signals from sensorassembly 40 to determine whether the biological target is a continuedthreat, such as when the signals indicate purposeful movement. If thesignals indicate that the target is a continued threat or otherwiserequires an additional electrical discharge, controller 90 may modulatethe electrical discharge generated and/or delivered by device 10. Forinstance, controller 90 may automatically increase the intensity ofduration of the electrical discharge, increase a pulse repetitionfrequency, initiate the delivery of the electrical discharge, orotherwise activate or modulate device 10 in order to temporarilyincapacitate the target.

In one embodiment, the accelerometer uses a frequency response of thetarget's motion to determine whether the target is experiencing aninvoluntary muscular response to the electrical discharge delivered byelectrodes 18 and 20. In this embodiment, controller 90 may modulate theelectrical discharge based on the involuntary response of the target. Inanother embodiment, the accelerometer monitors a vibration or amplitudeof movement of the target (e.g., the target's muscle) in response to theelectrical discharge, sending one or more signals to controller 90representing the amplitude. In this embodiment, controller 90 isprogrammed to modulate the electrical discharge based on the involuntaryresponse of the target in order to achieve a desired outcome (e.g., toincapacitate the target). In other embodiments, the accelerometer mayuse other methods to identify various movements (e.g., muscle movements)of the target or a part of the target's body and send signals tocontroller 90 indicative of the movements. Controller 90 may increasethe intensity or duration of the electrical discharge if the target isinsufficiently subdued or incapacitated, and/or decrease the intensityor duration of the electrical discharge if the target is adequatelysubdued or incapacitated.

In embodiments, device 10 is configured to deliver a series of pulses,such that controller 90 is programmed to adjust the time intervalsbetween the pulses based on the signals received from sensor assembly40. For instance, controller 90 may be programmed to apply a number ofpulses, then pause for a period of time to monitor the physiologicalindicators of the target until the target shows signs of recovery (e.g.,the physiological indicators indicate that the target is no longerincapacitated). Controller 90 may be programmed to then apply one ormore additional pulses to again temporarily incapacitate the target.Controller 90 may also be programmed to modulate or adjust theintensity, time spacing, or magnitude of the pulses in response tosignals from sensor assembly 40, such as to incapacitate the target fora specified amount of time or to ensure the target does not suffer morepermanent harm. Controller 90 may also automatically adjust the numberof pulses based on the signals received from sensor assembly 40, orotherwise adjust the frequency, duration, and/or intensity of the pulsesas may be suitable for the particular application of device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3, electrodes 18 and 20 are shown projected fromdevice 10 and attached to biological target 50 (see FIG. 3A). In someembodiments, electrodes 18 and 20 are configured to measure a locationor position of electrodes 18 and 20 once device 10 is actuated. Forinstance, electrodes 18 and 20 may send a signal to controller 90 fordetermining an absolute location or position of electrodes 18 and 20 onthe body of target 50, or a location of electrodes 18 and 20 relative toeach other. The electrical discharge delivered by device 10 may bemodulated or otherwise controlled by controller 90 based on theseparation or distance between electrodes 18 and 20 and/or the locationof electrodes 18 and 20 on target 50. For example, if electrodes 18 and20 are relatively close to one another, a smaller electrical dischargemay be selected than if they are farther apart. Conversely, ifelectrodes 18 and 20 are very close to one another, a larger dischargemay be selected based on the smaller target volume subjected to thedischarge. The location of the current path between electrodes 18 and 20may be used by controller 90 to determine the electrical discharge(e.g., a current path transiting a target's chest or leg may be moreeffective than one only transiting a right-handed target's left arm). Inone embodiment, the electrical discharge is automatically modulated bycontroller 90 based on a proximity of electrodes 18 and 20 to the heartof target 50. In another embodiment, the electrical discharge isautomatically modulated by controller 90 based on a proximity of thecurrent path (e.g., a path of the electrical discharge as delivered byelectrodes 18 and 20) to the heart of target 50. For instance, proximityof electrodes 18 and 20 or the current path to the heart may result incontroller 90 selecting a smaller electrical discharge, so as to avoidharming the target's heart. In another embodiment, the electricaldischarge is automatically modulated by controller 90 based on alocation of electrodes 18 and 20 on the body of target 50, such aswhether electrodes 18 and 20 are attached to a limb or the torso oftarget 50, or whether electrodes 18 and 20 are in the same or differentlimbs of target 50. The separation or distance between electrodes 18 and20 and/or any of the above locations of electrodes 18 and 20 on target50 may be automatically determined (e.g., by controller 90) based on thesignals received from electrodes 18 and 20 and/or sensor assembly 40, orotherwise entered or inputted into device 10 such that controller 90 isable to automatically modulate the electrical discharge based on theseconditions.

In some embodiments, electrodes 18 and 20 are configured to emit (i.e.,send) and/or receive locating waves (e.g., ultrasound wave, sound wave,radio wave, etc.) in order to determine a location (e.g., a relativelocation, an absolute or actual location, etc.) of electrodes 18 and 20.For instance, electrodes 18 and 20 may send a signal related to thewaves to controller 90 and controller 90 may determine a location ofelectrodes 18 and 20 based on the signal. Electrodes 18 and 20 may emitand/or receive locating waves automatically when device 10 is actuated,or electrodes 18 and 20 may emit and/or receive waves manually inresponse to a request or command from a user of device 10 (e.g., uponpressing a button or other actuator). In one embodiment, electrode 18 or20 emits a wave that is received or reflected by the other electrode 18or 20 in order to determine (e.g., by controller 90) a separation ordistance between electrodes 18 and 20. In this embodiment, theseparation or distance may be determined based on the time elapsed(i.e., a time delay) between when the wave is emitted by a firstelectrode and when the wave is received by a second electrode. Inanother embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 emit one or more waves that arereflected by internal cavities or other parts of the body of target 50(i.e., a body boundary) in order to determine or infer a location on thebody of target 50 or to determine a location of the body boundary orinternal cavity of target 50. In this embodiment, the location on thebody or the location of the body boundary or internal cavity may bedetermined (e.g., by controller 90) based on the time elapsed betweenwhen the wave is emitted and when the wave is reflected, the strength ofthe reflected wave, or another characteristic or condition of the wave.For example, when electrode 18 is in a leg of the target, a wave emittedby it reflects off the side of the leg and the reflected wave isreceived by electrode 18 after a short time delay. Reflected waves arereceived by electrode 18 over a range of time delays, the shortestvalues due to reflections from the closest side of the leg, somewhatlonger delays represent reflections from the opposite side of the leg,and then substantially longer delays represent reflections from wavestraveling up or down the length of the leg. Controller 90 can analyzethe spectrum of time delays (both the values and the relative strengthof each return) to determine the position of electrode 18, determiningthat it is in a leg, as well as where in the leg it is located. Similaranalysis can be done with electrode 20. Determination (by time delaymeasurements) of the separation between electrodes 18 and 20 can be usedby controller 90 to determine, for example, that both are in the sameleg, that one is in a leg and the other is in the target's torso, etc.The reflected wave can be received by the electrode that emitted thewave, or, alternatively, the reflected wave can be received by the otherelectrode. The waves (e.g., the reflected wave) may be used (e.g., bycontroller 90) to determine whether electrode 18 and/or 20 is attachedto a limb or the torso of target 50. The waves may also be used todetermine a closeness or proximity to boundaries of the torso or tointernal cavities within target 50.

In one embodiment, electrode 18 emits a first locating wave andelectrode 20 emits a second locating wave. The first locating wave andthe second locating wave may be coherent with each other, and each havea phase or relative phase (i.e., phase offset, phase difference). In oneembodiment, the first locating wave has an adjustable first phase andthe second locating wave has an adjustable second phase. The first andsecond phases may be adjusted such that controller 90 can determine thelocation of electrodes 18 and 20 on target 50. The first phase and thesecond phase may be substantially different from each other (i.e., outof phase, having a phase difference) or the first phase and the secondphase may be substantially similar to each other (i.e., in phase). Inone embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 are configured to emit coherentlyphased waves (i.e., waves having a constant relative phase or displayinga well-defined or constant phase relationship) intended to achieve alimited directionality of the waves (e.g., such that the waves interferein defined directions). Each electrode may be configured to emit a wavein the direction of the opposite electrode in order to determine theseparation or distance between electrodes 18 and 20, or to determine aposition or location of electrode 18 or 20 on the body of target 50.Electrodes 18 and 20 may be configured to emit the waves at a selectedbeam angle (e.g., such that the waves interfere for a selected beamangle). In one embodiment, the beam angle of the waves (i.e., thedirection the waves are emitted) may be varied or adjusted by adjustingthe phase of the waves. In another embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 areconfigured to use a phased reception (i.e., reception of the emitted orreflected waves) so that a direction of incoming emitted or reflectedwaves may be determined (e.g., by electrodes 18 and 20, by controller90, etc.). In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 determine a directionof waves reflected from body parts or internal cavities of target 50 sothat a location or position of electrode 18 or 20 on target 50 may bedetermined (e.g., by controller 90).

In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 emit the waves before theelectrical discharge is generated and/or administered (e.g., delivered),sending one or more signals to controller 90 based on the reflectionand/or reception of the waves such that controller 90 modulates theelectrical discharge based on the signals before the discharge isdelivered. In another embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 emit the wavesbetween a series of delivered electrical discharges (e.g., pulses),sending one or more signals to controller 90 such that controller 90modulates the next electrical discharge to be delivered based on thesignals. In this embodiment, controller 90 and/or device 10 may beprogrammed or otherwise configured to deliver one or more electricaldischarges having a relatively low intensity (e.g., current level,voltage, etc.), and increase the intensity of the subsequent electricaldischarge(s) if the signals indicate that the intensity should beincreased in order to temporarily incapacitate target 50, or for anotherpurpose according to the particular application of device 10. Similarly,controller 90 and/or device 10 may be programmed or otherwise configuredto decrease the intensity of the subsequent electrical discharge(s) ifthe signals indicate that a higher intensity discharge is unnecessary(e.g., target 50 is temporarily incapacitated).

Still referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments electrodes 18 and 20 areused to monitor the heartbeat of target 50 in order to determine arelative location of electrodes 18 and 20 on target 50 (e.g., forcontroller 90 to determine a relative location of electrodes 18 and 20based on a signal from electrodes 18 and 20). In one such embodiment,electrodes 18 and 20 are configured to monitor (e.g., passively measure)a heartbeat reception (i.e., strength of the monitored heartbeat) ateach electrode 18 and 20. Electrode 18 monitors a first heartbeatreception and electrode 20 monitors a second heartbeat reception. Inthis embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 send signals to controller 90representing the heartbeat reception at each of electrodes 18 and 20.Controller 90 is programmed to calculate a heartbeat receptiondifferential (i.e., a difference between the heartbeat reception atelectrode 18 and at electrode 20) in order to determine a relativedistance of each electrode 18 and 20 from the heart of target 50 and/ora distance or separation between electrodes 18 and 20. Electrodes 18 and20 may be configured to passively monitor the heartbeat (i.e., monitorthe heartbeat absent an excitation or stimulus, such as delivery of theelectrical discharge) in this embodiment, and may also send signals tocontroller 90 representing the heartbeat of target 50. In theseembodiments, controller 90 may be programmed to determine a heartbeatreception differential from the signals, and thus determine a relativedistance of each electrode 18 and 20 from the heart of target 50 and/ora distance or separation between electrodes 18 and 20. Electrodes 18 and20 may use EMG or ECG in order to monitor one or more heart conditionsof target 50, including the heartbeat.

In one embodiment, device 10 also includes optical sensors (e.g.,cameras) for determining the relative location of electrodes 18 and 20on a biological target (e.g., target 50). The optical sensors may becoupled to device 10 as part of sensor assembly 40, coupled individuallyto a component of device 10 (e.g., electrodes 18 and/or 20), orotherwise positioned on device 10. The optical sensors are configured tocapture one or more images of electrodes 18 and 20 and/or target 50 andsend one or more signals to controller 90 such that controller 90 candetermine the relative location of electrodes 18 and 20 on target 50. Inone embodiment, the optical sensors are configured to capture a firstimage of electrode 18 and a second image of electrode 20. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the optical sensors are included aspart of sensor assembly 40 and coupled to housing 16. In thisembodiment, the optical sensors are oriented to face target 50 whendevice 10 is actuated, such that the optical sensors are likely tocapture images of electrodes 18 and 20 when attached to target 50. Inthis embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 may include identifying markings(e.g., a readable barcode, identifying paint marks, flags, LEDs, etc.)that enable the optical sensors to “pick up” or identify electrodes 18and 20 on target 50. The optical sensors can detect the relativelocations of electrodes 18 and 20, along with a distance or separationbetween electrodes 18 and 20 or a location on target 50. The opticalsensors and/or sensor assembly 40 sends one or more signals tocontroller 90 regarding a location or separation of electrodes 18 and20. Controller 90 may then modulate the electrical discharge deliveredby device 10 based on signals from electrodes 18 and 20. In otherembodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2, theoptical sensors may be included as part of sensor assembly 40 andcoupled to electrodes 18 and 20. For instance, a first optical sensormay be coupled to electrode 18 and a second optical sensor may becoupled to electrode 20. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2,the optical sensors capture images of target 50 as electrodes 18 and 20approach target 50 (i.e., when device 10 is actuated). In thisembodiment, the optical sensors and/or sensor assembly 40 send signalsto controller 90 based on the captured images and controller 90 canmodulate the electrical discharge delivered based on the signals.

In some embodiments, device 10 includes a defibrillation mode, such thatdevice 10 includes or may be used as a defibrillator to treat abiological target exhibiting signs (i.e., physiological conditions) offibrillation or a heart condition such as arrhythmia. In one suchembodiment, controller 90 receives signals from electrodes 18 and 20and/or sensor assembly 40 and determines whether defibrillation isnecessary or desirable based on the signals. Device 10 can beautomatically or manually converted to the defibrillation mode in orderto deliver one or more defibrillation pulses (i.e., electricaldischarges) to the target (e.g., target 50). In one embodiment, device10 includes indicator 52 (e.g., positioned on handle 12, coupled tocontroller 90) for providing an indication to a user of electroshockdevice 10 that fibrillation is detected. In some embodiments, electricalcircuit 34 is configured to generate an electrical discharge (i.e.,defibrillation pulses) capable of re-establishing a target's “normal”heart rhythm (i.e., capable of delivering the necessary electricalenergy to the heart to establish a stable heartbeat). For instance,electrical circuit 34 may include a capacitor capable of storing theelectrical energy necessary to defibrillate the heart of the target(i.e., to generate an electrical discharge capable of defibrillating theheart). Device 10 may also include a switchgear (e.g., pulse-tailoringswitchgear) to deliver an electrical discharge from electrical circuit34 in a defibrillation pulse form (i.e., having the intensity andfrequency necessary to defibrillate the heart of the target). Theswitchgear may be coupled to electrical circuit 34 or otherwisepositioned within device 10 in order to enable one or moredefibrillating pulses to be delivered by device 10. In anotherembodiment, device 10 includes a defibrillating pulse generation circuitsimilar to electrical circuit 34. In this embodiment, the defibrillatingpulse generation circuit is configured to produce or generate thedefibrillating pulse and device 10 is configured to deliver thedefibrillating pulse to a target via electrodes 18 and 20 or separatedefibrillating leads.

In one embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 are used as leads for deliveringthe defibrillation pulses to the target, having a defibrillating modeand an electroshock mode. In this embodiment, electrodes 18 and 20 areexpelled from housing 16 when device 10 is actuated, attaching to target50 as shown in FIG. 3A. Once attached, electrodes 18 and 20 and/orsensor assembly 40 may be used to monitor physiological conditions oftarget 50, sending signals to controller 90 representing thephysiological conditions in order to determine if defibrillation isnecessary. Controller 90 may be programmed to determine ifdefibrillation is necessary before and/or after the incapacitatingelectrical discharge (i.e., an electrical discharge intended totemporarily incapacitate target 50) is delivered to target 50. If thephysiological conditions indicate that defibrillation is necessary ordesirable (as calculated or determined by controller 90), defibrillationpulses may be delivered to target 50 by electrodes 18 and 20.

Referring to FIG. 3B, in other embodiments, device 10 includes separatedefibrillation leads 42 and 44 (e.g., electrodes, defibrillatingelectrodes, etc.) for delivering the defibrillation pulse(s). Lead 42and lead 44 can be stored in storage compartment 46 coupled to device10. Alternatively, leads 42 and 44 can be stored in storage compartment48 integrated into device 10 (e.g., within handle portion 12, etc.). Inone embodiment, lead 42 is coupled to wire 56 and lead 44 is coupled towire 58, such that leads 42 and 44 are positioned at the ends of wires56 and 58, respectively. In this embodiment, wires 56 and 58 areconductive. Wires 56 and 58 may be coupled to electrical circuit 34 inorder to deliver the defibrillation pulses to leads 42 and 44,respectively. When leads 42 and 44 are projected (e.g., expelled,ejected, launched, etc.) from device 10, wires 56 and 58 remain attachedto device 10 so that leads 42 and 44 remain coupled to device 10. Insome embodiments, leads 42 and 44 are configured to be manuallypositioned on a target by a user of device 10. Leads 42 and 44 can besimilar to electrodes 18 and 20. Thus, the description herein ofelectrodes 18 and 20 applies similarly to the defibrillation leads, anddescription of the delivery of the defibrillation pulse(s) as describedbelow in reference to electrodes 18 and 20 applies similarly toembodiments of device 10 having the separate defibrillation leads.

In some embodiments, device 10 automatically delivers the defibrillationpulses to target 50 when controller 90 determines defibrillation isnecessary. In one such embodiment, controller 90 calculates ordetermines the location or position of electrodes 18 and 20 on target 50based on the signals from electrodes 18 and 20 and/or sensor assembly 40in order to determine if electrodes 18 and 20 are in a location suitablefor delivering defibrillation pulses. If the electrodes are suitablypositioned, device 10 may automatically deliver the defibrillationpulses to target 50 through electrodes 18 and 20; controller 90 mayselect characteristics of the defibrillation pulses based on thelocations of electrodes 18 and 20. If not, device 10 may provide asignal (e.g., a sound, a light or light pattern, a vibration, etc.) tothe user indicating that electrodes 18 and/or 20 must be repositioned ontarget 50 in order to effectively provide defibrillation. Onceelectrodes 18 and 20 are properly positioned (e.g., by the user ofdevice 10), the user of device 10 is able to deliver the defibrillatingpulse(s) to target 50, such as by actuating trigger 14 (e.g.,defibrillating trigger, defibrillation actuator). When trigger 14 isactuated, a defibrillation signal may be sent to electrical circuit 34and/or controller 90 in order to deliver a defibrillating pulse totarget 50. In other embodiments, device 10 is configured to deliver thedefibrillation pulses only in response to (manual) manipulation by theuser. In one such embodiment, device 10 provides a signal (e.g., asound, a light or light pattern, a vibration, etc.) to the userindicating that defibrillation necessary. The signal may be provided byindicator 52. The user is able to manipulate device 10 (e.g., press abutton, flip a switch, etc.) to deliver the defibrillation pulse(s) asneeded. Device 10 may also include separate defibrillation actuator 54coupled to controller 90 and having an actuated position for sending adefibrillation signal to controller 90 to deliver the defibrillatingpulse. Defibrillation actuator 54 is shown coupled to a top portion ofhandle 12 in FIG. 3, but defibrillation actuator 54 may be otherwisepositioned on device 10 in other embodiments. The user may press orotherwise actuate defibrillation actuator 54 to deliver thedefibrillating pulse. As noted above, device 10 may also be configuredto provide a signal to the user indicating that electrodes 18 and 20 arenot properly placed. Device 10 may then prevent delivery of thedefibrillating pulse(s) until electrodes 18 and 20 are properly placedon target 50. Device 10 may include a switch or button for convertingdevice 10 to defibrillation mode and/or for delivering thedefibrillation pulse(s).

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of controller 90 is shownaccording to one embodiment. Controller 90 may be used to control one ormore components of device 10 (e.g., electrical circuit 34, electrodes 18and 20, etc.), as well as to perform any calculations, functions orprocesses of device 10 described above. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, controller 90 is shown as a component of device 10, and may beused to control the operation of one or more components of device 10.However, in other embodiments, controller 90 may be an independentcomponent, and be configured to wirelessly control device 10.

In one embodiment, controller 90 includes processor 92 and a memorydevice shown as memory 94. Memory 94 stores programming instructionsthat, when executed by processor 92, control the operations of device10, including the production and delivery of an electrical dischargethrough electrodes 18 and 20. In one embodiment, processor 92 isincluded as part of a processing circuit also including memory 94.Processor 92 may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), agroup of processing components, or other suitable electronic processingcomponents. Memory 94 is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, FlashMemory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer codefor facilitating the various processes described herein. Memory 94 maybe or include non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory.Memory 94 may include database components, object code components,script components, or any other type of information structure forsupporting the various activities and information structures describedherein. Memory 94 may be communicably connected to processor 92 andprovide computer code or instructions to processor 92 for executing theprocesses described herein.

Controller 90 is in electrical communication with various components ofdevice 10, including trigger 14, electrodes 18, 20, 28, and 30,electrical circuit 34, and sensor assembly 40. In one embodiment,controller 90 is electrically connected to each of these components ofdevice 10 by a physical wire (e.g., wires 22 and 24). In otherembodiments, controller 90 may be connected to one or more of thecomponents of device 10 by a remote (e.g., wireless) connection, as maybe suitable for the particular application of controller 90 and/ordevice 10.

In one embodiment, controller 90 is programmed to command electricalcircuit 34 to generate the electrical discharge, to produce adefibrillating pulse, to modulate the intensity or duration of theelectrical discharge, to control a multi-phase electrical dischargesequence, or to command electrical circuit 34 or any other connectedcomponents to perform any functions described above related to device10, based on the signals received from sensor assembly 40 and/orelectrodes 18 and 20 indicating the one or more physiological conditionsof the target. In one embodiment, controller 90 is programmed to storeor record any signals or commands sent or received, or any otherinformation related to device 10 within memory 94 to be available forupload. The stored information may be uploaded from memory 94 uponrequest, or by a schedule.

Controller 90 receives operational electrical power from a power supply(e.g., batteries 36). In one embodiment, the power supply provides powerto controller 90 and all components of device 10, including circuit 34.The power supply may be any suitable power source, including, but notlimited to, battery 36, a solar power source, grid power, or acombination thereof. In arrangements where the power supply includes arechargeable battery, the battery may be charged during operationthrough another power source (e.g., a solar panel, etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 5, flow chart 500 shows a method for delivering anelectrical discharge to a target (e.g., target 50), according to oneembodiment. The method may be executed by device 10, includingcontroller 90. An electrical discharge is generated at 502. Theelectrical discharge may be generated by electrical circuit 34 of device10. At 504, an electrode (e.g., electrode 18, electrode 20, etc.) isattached to the target by projecting the electrode from an electroshockdevice (e.g., device 10). At 506, a position of the electrode isdetermined, such as described above (e.g., by sending and receivinglocating waves while attached to the target). At 508, the electricaldischarge is modulated based at least in part on the position of theelectrode. For instance, the intensity (e.g., voltage or current,duration, etc.) of the electrical discharge may be decreased if theelectrode is at or near the heart. On the other hand, the intensity ofthe electrical discharge may be increased if the electrode is attachedto a limb. The electrical discharge may be modulated automatically basedon the position of the electrode or manually (e.g., by a user inresponse to a signal from device 10). At 510, the electrical dischargeis delivered to the target via the electrode. At 512, a physiologicalcondition of the target is monitored, which may include monitoring oneor more heart conditions or any other physiological conditions describedabove. At 514, the electrical discharge is modulated based at least inpart on the physiological condition. For instance, if the target hasbeen sufficiently subdued, the intensity of the electrical discharge maybe decreased or the electrical discharge may be stopped or prevented. Inother embodiments, the method may include any of the steps shown in FIG.5 in any combination, and may also include any additional steps asdescribed above.

Referring now to FIG. 6, flow chart 600 shows a method for delivering adefibrillating pulse to a target (e.g., target 50), according to oneembodiment. The method may be executed by device 10, includingcontroller 90. An electrical discharge is generated at 602, an electrodeis attached to the target by projecting the electrode from a device(e.g., device 10) at 604, a position of the electrode on the target isdetermined at 606, the electrical discharge is modulated based at leastin part on the position of the electrode at 608, the electricaldischarge is delivered to the target at 610, one or more physiologicalconditions of the target are monitored at 612. At 614, it is determinedwhether defibrillation is required based at least in part on thephysiological conditions of the target. This step may includedetermining whether heart fibrillation is present within the target, orwhether one or more physiological conditions suggest an imminent heartfibrillation. If defibrillation is required, delivery of the electricaldischarge may be stopped at 616 and defibrillation leads (e.g.,electrodes 18 and 20, defibrillation leads 42 and 44, etc.) are appliedto the target at 618. At 620, a defibrillating pulse is delivered to thetarget via the defibrillation leads. If defibrillation is not required,the electrical discharge is modulated at 622 and the target is againmonitored at 612. In other embodiments, the method may include any ofthe steps shown in FIG. 6 in any combination, and may also include anyadditional steps as described above.

The construction and arrangement of the apparatus, systems and methodsas shown in the various embodiments are illustrative only. Although onlya few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, some elements shown as integrallyformed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positionof elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or numberof discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthe present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or methodsteps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissionsmay be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of thedescribed embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROMor other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views theconnection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection isproperly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above arealso included within the scope of machine-readable media.Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function orgroup of functions.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another. Such joining may be communicative, rather thanphysical.

Although the figures may show or the description may provide a specificorder of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what isdepicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or withpartial concurrence. Such variation will depend on various factors,including software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice.All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations could be accomplished with standard programmingtechniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish thevarious connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps anddecision steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for delivering an electrical dischargeto a target by an electroshock device, the method comprising: attachingone or more electrodes to the target by projecting the one or moreelectrodes from the electroshock device; delivering the electricaldischarge to the target via the one or more electrodes; monitoring aphysiological condition of the target using the one or more electrodes;determining a position of the one or more electrodes at the target; andmodulating the electrical discharge based on the physiological conditionand the position of the one or more electrodes.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein the physiological condition includes an involuntary muscularcondition of the target, and wherein the electrical discharge ismodulated based on the involuntary muscular condition.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the involuntary muscular condition includes at leastone of an activation level, movement, electrical activity, andelectrical potential associated with a muscle of the target.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the physiological condition includes aninvoluntary response to delivery of the electrical discharge, andwherein the electrical discharge is modulated based on the involuntaryresponse.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determiningwhether the target is sufficiently subdued based on the physiologicalcondition; and modulating the electrical discharge based on thedetermination of whether the target is sufficiently subdued.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the electrical discharge includes a series ofpulses in which the initial pulse is predefined, and wherein anysubsequent pulses are modulated based on the physiological condition ofthe target.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the series of pulses areseparated by one or more listening periods, and wherein modulating theelectrical discharge includes modulating the subsequent pulses based onthe physiological condition monitored during the one or more listeningperiods.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: based on thephysiological condition, determining that the target will be harmed bythe electrical discharge; and modulating at least one of an intensityand a duration of the electrical discharge based on the determinationthat the target will be harmed.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein theelectrical discharge is modulated prior to delivering the electricaldischarge to the target.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thephysiological condition of the target is automatically monitored uponattachment of the one or more electrodes to the target.
 11. The methodof claim 9, further comprising: preventing delivery of the electricaldischarge prior to monitoring the physiological condition.
 12. Anelectroshock device for delivering an electrical discharge to a target,the electroshock device comprising: an electrical discharge circuitconfigured to produce an electrical discharge; one or more electrodescoupled to the electrical discharge circuit and configured to: attach tothe target by projecting from the electroshock device; and deliver theelectrical discharge to the target; and a controller communicativelycoupled to the electrical discharge circuit and the one or moreelectrodes, the controller configured to: monitor a physiologicalcondition of the target based on information received from the one ormore electrodes; determine whether the physiological condition indicatescontinued purposeful movement of the target based on the information;and modulate the electrical discharge based on the physiologicalcondition and the determination.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein thephysiological condition includes an involuntary muscular condition ofthe target, and wherein the controller modulates the electricaldischarge based on the involuntary muscular condition.
 14. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the involuntary muscular condition includes at leastone of an activation level, movement, electrical activity, andelectrical potential associated with a muscle of the target.
 15. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the physiological condition includes aninvoluntary response to delivery of the electrical discharge, andwherein the controller modulates the electrical discharge based on theinvoluntary response.
 16. The device of claim 12, wherein the controlleris configured to: determine whether the target is sufficiently subduedbased on the physiological condition; and modulate the electricaldischarge based on the determination of whether the target issufficiently subdued.
 17. The device of claim 12, wherein the controlleris configured to: determine a position of the one or more electrodes atthe target; and modulate the electrical discharge based on the positionof the one or more electrodes.
 18. The device of claim 12, wherein theelectrical discharge includes a series of pulses in which the initialpulse is predefined, and wherein the controller is configured tomodulate any subsequent pulses based on the physiological condition ofthe target.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the series of pulses areseparated by one or more listening periods, and wherein the controlleris configured to modulate the subsequent pulses based on thephysiological condition monitored during the one or more listeningperiods.
 20. The device of claim 12, wherein the controller isconfigured to: based on the physiological condition, determine that thetarget will be harmed by the electrical discharge; and modulate at leastone of an intensity and a duration of the electrical discharge based onthe determination that the target will be harmed.
 21. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the electrical discharge is modulated prior todelivering the electrical discharge to the target.
 22. The device ofclaim 21, wherein the controller is configured to automatically monitorthe physiological condition of the target upon attachment of the one ormore electrodes to the target.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein thecontroller is configured to prevent delivery of the electrical dischargeprior to monitoring the physiological condition.
 24. A method fordelivering a defibrillating pulse to a target by an electroshock device,the method comprising: delivering an electrical discharge to the targetvia an electrode projected from the electroshock device; monitoring aphysiological condition of the target; determining that thedefibrillating pulse is required based on the physiological condition;delivering the defibrillating pulse to the target based on thedetermination; and modulating the defibrillating pulse based ondetermining whether the target is temporarily incapacitated.
 25. Themethod of claim 24, wherein the electrode is one of a plurality ofelectrodes projected from the electroshock device.
 26. The method ofclaim 24, further comprising discontinuing the electrical dischargebased on a determination that the defibrillating pulse is required. 27.The method of claim 24, wherein determining whether the defibrillatingpulse is required includes determining whether at least one of a heartarrhythmia or heart fibrillation is present in the target.
 28. Themethod of claim 24, further comprising modulating at least one of theelectrical discharge and the defibrillating pulse based on thephysiological condition.
 29. The method of claim 24, wherein thedefibrillating pulse is delivered by applying defibrillation leads tothe target.
 30. The method of claim 24, wherein the defibrillating pulseis delivered by the electrode.
 31. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising providing an indication that the defibrillating pulse isrequired.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein manual manipulation of theelectroshock device is required to deliver the defibrillating pulse. 33.The method of claim 24, wherein the physiological condition is monitoredby the electrode.
 34. The method of claim 24, further comprisingattaching the electrode to the target prior to delivering the electricalcharge by projecting the electrode from an electroshock device.